As its 50th Anniversary Year enters its remaining weeks the West Somerset Railway’s programme of Christmas specials begins on the evening of November 27th with an evening Carol Train running between Minehead and Williton. This will run in conjunction with Late Night Opening in Minehead.
The following two days, Saturday 28th and 29th , sees the return of the popular Christmas Market to the platforms of Minehead station showcasing the offerings of local craft workers and an opportunity to purchase “something different” as a Christmas gift or a personal treat. The station shop will offer a selection of items for both young and old and the station’s Turntable Cafe will be open. The Friends of Minehead Station, who have been supporting maintenance and renewal work at the station for three decades , and will be funding refurbishment of the toilets in the early months of 2028, will have their “Readers Halt” second hand book stall open.
In connection with the Christmas Market a special steam train will run on both days. Leaving Bishops Lydeard at 10.30 and calling at Williton at 11.04 and Watchet at 11.13 en route. The return journey will leave Minehead at 3.30 p.m , giving passengers time to browse the Market and spend time in the town.
To really ensure that Saturday 28th is a busy day at Minehead a “Santa Express” train will make a round trip to Williton with presents for the children, seasonal refreshments for the adults and of course a very special volunteer in an unusual red uniform making his annual visit whilst back at home the elves continue to work away.
The Minehead Carol Train and Santa Express workings from Minehead will be the first time in a number of years that these have operated from the northern end of the line and the WSR is hoping that there will be a good uptake of seats.
The events of the last weekend in November mark the start of a whole programme of special West Somerset Railway events in the lead up to Christmas. From Bishops Lydeard there will be Santa Expresses, Fish and Chip Specials, Carol Trains and the “Quantock Belle” which offers fine dining as the views of the Quantocks and the West Somerset coastline pass by the windows.
All of these trains are pre-bookable. This can be done via the West Somerset Railway website or by calling 01643 704996 for fuller details.
